Thousands of bicyclists undress for Philadelphia ride

PHILADELPHIA - Thousands of bicyclists in various stages of undress have pedaled their way around Philadelphia to promote fuel conservation and positive body image.

The Philly Naked Bike Ride featured people sporting masks, underwear, body paint or nothing at all.

The 12-mile ride through the City of Brotherly Love is among many related to the World Naked Bike Ride movement. Riders on the twisting course on Saturday wheeled through University City, around the Rittenhouse Square park, down to City Hall and through Chinatown. Giddy crowds cheered them on while shooting photos and videos on their cellphones.

This is the seventh year of the Philly Naked Bike Ride, which draws about 3,000 participants. Organizers say they hope the popular event encourages people to bike more and to embrace nudity as a normal and enjoyable part of life.